Wireless nets take to the fields

The news here is that Novazone, a provider of technology solutions for fresher food, will use Dust Networks as its wireless sensor network supplier.

Wireless sensor networks have historically been limited to oil and gas refineries apps but that seems to be changingand the payoff for consumers will be fresher, less expensive produce.

In what might be considered a more favorable operating environment than refineries (albeit more cost sensitive) wireless sensor nets are taking to the fields, more or less.

Farmers, particularly fruit farmers, could use some help. Up to 40 percent of fruits and berries rot before you plunk the survivors in your grocery basket. For every hour a farmer can save between the time fruits and vegetables are harvested, a day is added to the shelf life of the produce. (It's hot out there in those fields.)

The news here is that Novazone, a provider of technology solutions for fresher food, will use Dust Networks as its wireless sensor network supplier.